What the BBC writes could be classified as gossip. I don't really disagree on that point.

Reading articles that are really intended to inform about the crisis in the Ukraine is however not gossip. To me it's a major political event. I also live in Europe so it's more important to me as it would be if I would live in the US.

I think that if you want to advance politics in the right direction you first have to understand the playing field. That means understanding major events.

I however won't judge anybody who thinks that dealing with politics isn't worth his time because he doesn't see an effect on his actions.